Abstract: An absorbent product is provided with side leakage control means. The product comprises an absorbent element having first and second major surfaces and is provided with means for retarding premature failure by side leakage, these means comprising a narrow longitudinally extending zone along each of the side edges of the product but spaced away from each of the side edges. The zone is impregnated with a hydrophobic material from major surface to major surface and the extreme longitudinal portions of the absorbent element along the longitudinal edges are free of such impregnation.